Valfaris
Valfaris
Game
Game2023
Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Developer Steel Mantis
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell! From the Steam store page
233 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Oct 6, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
87
LovedLoved
156 positive · 23 negative
95% range 81–91%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 156 | 23 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 17 | 0 | 27 |
| Lemmy * | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
261 of 285 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
87% recommend · 158 yes, 24 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 182 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (440 of 477 positive).
Players praise the shift to a shoot 'em up genre, finding it a fresh and successful direction. [1][2][3] The game is widely lauded for its metal soundtrack, striking visuals, and satisfying combat. [4][5][6] Some reviewers note issues with difficulty spikes, checkpoint spacing, and enemy visibility. [7][8][9]
Liked
Representative posts
- [7]
It's a tough one for me to not recommend. The gameplay and style are an immediate draw and it made me play quite far into the game. The drawbacks are what made me put it away. The difficulty is cranked up by spacing out checkpoints further and further apart. At first you will get checkpoints right before bosses and regularly after passing a difficult part. Later on you are required to repeat a lot. Another part of …
- [4]
This might be the best game I've tried in 2024 so far. I was a bit skeptical getting this as I don't usually care about flying shoot 'em ups, and also thought the mech sections in the first game were a bit clunky controls-wise. But this game kicks ass. Highlights: The store page doesn't do the art justice. The graphics are eye popping and psychedelic at times, and the heavy metal soundtrack in this one is even …
- [1]
The change in genre was definitely the right call here; because this game ROCKS. Shmups are one of my favorite genres of gaming when I just want to sit down and blast stuff that's in my way, and this game excels at that here. Fast paced action, tough enemies and great bosses that will test your knowledge of these kinds of games (and the fact that there's still a bit of exploration even with the genre shift is …
- [12]
Did you enjoy Valfaris and expected another delicious hell crawl? This is not it. The sequel has become a side scrolling shoot 'em up. While the music is still good, it is not as great as the prequel. Gameplay is solid but not exceptional. Still worth a recommendation because the game is good, albeit simple and short. There is not much replay value. If you are on a budget, buy the prequel.
- [6]
I have to leave a positive review already cuz this game is metal as hell - Is a shmup - Title is a Celtic Frost reference - You have a sword named Bathory(n) who is also your brother? - There's a shotgun. In a shmup. And it's meaty as hell. Its name, I ♥♥♥♥ you not, is Hellhammer - The soundtrack is metal and packed with meaty riffs. Stylistically I can't put my finger on it, but 90s-ish, pretty heavy doomy guitars …
Summarised from 34 of the 237 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 10, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Valfaris: Mecha Therion talk about excellent heavy metal soundtrack enhances the experience; those who didn't talk about enemies can blend into backgrounds due to art style. Which matters more to you?
Reactions
60 of 233 · most liked firstIt's a tough one for me to not recommend. The gameplay and style are an immediate draw and it made me play quite far into the game. The drawbacks are what made me put it away. The difficulty is cranked up by spacing out checkpoints further and further apart. At first you will get checkpoints right before bosses and regularly after passing a difficult part. Later on you are required to repeat a lot. Another part of the difficulty is that the game will change its 2D perspective in some scenes…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game was removed from my account on 9.25.2024 by the developer/publisher. They have provided no explanation why this happened except shifting the blame to a Steam bug and/or Fanatical issue. On 9.26.2024 the game was added to my library by Steam, along with everyone else. First, this is a good lesson/reminder that we don't own games, we only license them. It's up to you if you're ok with that fact. Me personally, I am. I trust Steam and they've never given us a reason to not trust them.…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →before i forgot. here is my games finished in 2025 final list. GAMES FINISHED IN 2025 1. Yakuza Kiwami 2. Monster Hunter Wilds 3. A game about digging a hole 4. Slay the Spire 5. Brigandine: Legend of Runersia 6. Northgard 7. Slain: back from hell 8. Valfaris 9. Titan Souls 10. Ale & Tale Tavern
neutral · AI labelView post →Not really a good shmup. The first Valfaris was a fantastic game, not entirely sure why the devs shifted so hard, but hopefully they never do this again.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game would be fine if the enemy-projectiles wouldn't blend in with the environment.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This might be the best game I've tried in 2024 so far. I was a bit skeptical getting this as I don't usually care about flying shoot 'em ups, and also thought the mech sections in the first game were a bit clunky controls-wise. But this game kicks ass. Highlights: The store page doesn't do the art justice. The graphics are eye popping and psychedelic at times, and the heavy metal soundtrack in this one is even better than the first game The controls are buttery smooth and responsive Each…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Her is my list of games so far. 2025 GAMES FINISHED 1. Yakuza Kiwami 2. Monster Hunter Wilds 3. A game about digging a hole 4. Slay the Spire 5. Brigandine: Legend of Runersia 6. Northgard 7. Slain: back from hell 8. Valfaris 9. Titan Souls 10. Ale & Tale Tavern 11. Final Fantasy 7 Remake 12. Raft
neutral · AI labelView post →Ive been a gamer for many years, have had just about every popular game system made. I played when polygons were new, nothing beats sprites for gaming experience. I cannot stand most AAA titles, they are not fun, cant stand the greedy microtransactions, and political agendas. I dont care about graphics so much anymore, I just want fun. This game and first one are not the prettiest visual wise but the soundtrack really gets you into the game, fast game play, difficult but fair, and just really…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Already much better than the first game. The first Valfaris was NES tough platformer, did not enjoy, this one is a sidescrolling shmup with upgrades. Based dev. The only thing missing is some voice acting.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I share this opinion. My Steam Deck is great, but it gets heavy after a while. GameNative has been great for indie titles. I've been playing Tape to Tape, Cassette Beasts, Blasphemous, Valfaris... I'm also surprised at how well the battery holds out on a charge.
neutral · AI labelView post →Finally satisfied making things look like a Windows ‘95 pre rendered pc game in my weird spaceship management survival sim Underneath a Black Metal Sky Also been trying to compose metal for the aesthetic to varied effect Valfaris by MrAwolf is a huge inspiration on this Turn on 🔊 #gamedev #horror
neutral · AI labelView post →I didn't enjoy the move to combine Valfaris/Slain with Shmup. The previous games felt better to play and I find most shmups more enjoyable than this because they aren't as clunky with the constant need to melee. ZeroRanger perhaps being the one outlier where I found it fun to melee, but the gameplay was a lot faster and more straightforward in that. For me this was a failed experiment, but I'm happy for anyone else that ended up liking it. ===================== My SHMUP Tier List…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Unless you REALLY enjoy replaying your games multiple times (and this game has some incentives to do so) I wouldn't recommend this at full price. But if you take the value-proposition out of the equation, it is very fun casual shmup. It has excellent and unique visual style that combines with the extremely heavy soundtrack to create one of the most metal games out there (with the first Valfaris). The "use melee to deflect bullets and charge your guns" mechanic works surprisingly well. You have…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Example of how my free music would sound in context. This game is called Valfaris by the way. You may download my Free Game Music Pack here -> francesco-pirrone.itch.io/free-epic-fa... #gamedev #gamemusic #gameassets #freemusic #freeassets
neutral · AI labelView post →Fallout 4 is, *by far,* the best Fallout game. Yes, having dialogs limited to 4 simplified options is unfortunate. Doesn't matter, the rest of the game and gameplay makes up for that ten times over. And yes, I *am* including New Vegas in the comparison. Also there's a game called Valfaris that I think is rad as hell. It wasn't disliked so much as completely slept on. Definitely worth looking at if you like tough retro 2d shoot & platform games
positive · AI labelView post →At the time of writing this I have 15 hours played. I've finished all of this developer's previous games and in my opinion each game is an improvement from the last. I love this game and I thought I wouldn't since I don't usually enjoy shoot em ups but I had to try since I had a good time in their other titles. Give it a shot even if you don't enjoy shmups you might be surprised.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I only recommend getting this when it is on sales. It is a fun game, but as a shmups this is quite average. I think platformer game is definitely stronger as a studio. Pros: - Visual / art style - Music / VFX - Game is pretty fun & fair on most part Cons: - Weapon balancing A few just straight out better / meta - Module balancing Same as weapon, a few just is better / meta - Some part is very frustrating to play, especially on higher difficulty Camera angle Visual…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →[review] Valfaris: Mecha Therion Review (Switch eShop) | Nintendo Life.
neutral · AI labelView post →[Steam] Valfaris: Mecha Therion ($3.99 / 80% off).
neutral · AI labelView post →I can’t believe none of you told me Valfaris: Mecha Therion whips THIS much ass!! Head and shoulders above the first game and far more approachable. Currently on sale on Switch for $5!!
positive · AI labelView post →The change in genre was definitely the right call here; because this game ROCKS. Shmups are one of my favorite genres of gaming when I just want to sit down and blast stuff that's in my way, and this game excels at that here. Fast paced action, tough enemies and great bosses that will test your knowledge of these kinds of games (and the fact that there's still a bit of exploration even with the genre shift is amazing). The visuals are gorgeous; colorful and perfectly emulating the style of…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not fun, looks pretty grim compared to the previous one, can't make out what's the map and what's the projectiles, keep getting pushed forwards is annoying as hell etc. Just no.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game rules. Great for people who wanna play a game that looks like a Metal album cover and plays like a 90's horizontal SHMUP. Pros: +Gives me Sin & Punishment vibes, I love that series +Great boss design and plenty of them. +Balanced shooting + melee to regain energy combat +Absolutely awesome soundtrack +Lots of weapons/tools you can unlock, they are given to you at pretty regular intervals, and you feel rewarded for finding the secret ones. Cons -Sometimes enemies can blend…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Get this on sale only if you are a fan of their previous games, because sadly Steel Mantis dropped the ball in their shoot em up implementation. The game features all the classic pitfalls of bad shmups: -Gigantic player hitbox -Hard to see enemy projectiles: same color as background, the effects from your weapon obscure everything, foreground obstructs vision, you name it. -Surprise enemy spawns from the back/below for nice BS deaths -2.5D shenanigans: enemies/projectiles from z axis, sudden…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →5/10 can finish the game in under 2 hours, i dont think its worth 20$ you only get more game play out of this by dying and redoing the same parts over and over + works on windows 7 + music is decent - only 4 hits to kill you - very few checkpoints, far apart - even fewer heals - oooh cool i died from full health annnd same thing again wtf is killing me? - janky hitboxes - even fully upgraded the shotguns hitbox is awful and i end up getting hurt when missing things at point blank range. but i…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Heya folks, here's a 2nd, and final, set of screenshots featuring Slain: Back From Hell by Steel Mantis and Digerati. Interestingly, this game ended on a cliffhanger. I wonder if Valfaris is the sequel (I've never played it). #slainbackfromhell #videogames #indiegames #metroidvania #screenshots
neutral · AI labelView post →Valfaris: Mecha Therion exceeded my expectations. I was a bit skeptical at first and was fairly confident I would like the original Valfaris more than this Shmup version but after getting used to this style of game I actually had more fun with it. When compared to the original there are many similarities. It has the same type of Metal music. There is a good pacing to it which is great if you don't want to commit many hours to finish your playthrough The checkpoints are liberal so even if…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a console ported 3D rendered 2D bullet hell/shoot 'em up with a retro/80's metal theme and not much else going for it. The game does "work" but it's got a couple of defects I didn't like, and when you're trying to exhume the corpse of an old, dead genre, well, it better be exceptional, and good value for money, too. Valfaris: Mecha Therion is neither. On the upside, the game does feature customisable controls and resolution, so at least some of the basic, minimum…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Going LIVE 🔴 The LAST Son of Valfaris Returns - 2 Hoping to finish this today 😁 It's a pretty gnarly game. youtube.com/@kittsgame twitch.tv/kittsgame
neutral · AI labelView post →This is a weird one, because I like this game despite not being too positive on the first game, and weirdly one thing I really like about this sequel is that even though it's a shmup instead of run and gun, it still feels like the first game, but in a good way? Anyway, good fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good enough to make you complete it and remember why you loved Shmups as a teenager. Enraging enough to make you punch air on beating final boss and uninstall w/o remorse. 6/10 - perfect video rental experience
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Well this has reminded me of why I don't play SHMUPs anymore. I gave this a chance after having given DRAINUS a chance and having had way too much fun with that game, but it ends here. No more SHMUPs. There is a distinct issue with this game though which need to be mentioned: A severe lack of visual clarity. It is remarkably hard to make out whats happening on the screen at times and there's many times. I think I'm close to the end now but I am not sure if I will finish the game, tired…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I blind bought this game since I was a big fan of Valfaris and didn't know it was a shoot'em up. I don't even usually play shoot'em ups, but I really had a good time with this game. It's not a long game, and you can probably beat it in a single sitting (I did at about 4 hours). I felt like the pacing and the difficulty curve were good, and I like that the game didn't overstay it's welcome. The environments are cool and just overall the art and music in this game are top notch. Exactly…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is very good. I think it's unfair that it received some negative reviews at first and it didn't sell. I get that it's a different style than the first Valfaris that we all know and love, but it's been a long time since we've had a good game of this genre too and I appreciate it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The devs shifted toward the shmup genre and delivered one of the best out there! Hard mode 'Great Horned One' will be a pain in the ass as usual, but I feel it's a bit easier than OG Valfaris. Incredible follow-up to og Valfaris, I love it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Going LIVE 🔴 😁 Using Heavy METAL To Uncover The Truth of Valfaris This game gives me Brutal Legend meets Metroid vibes, but having never played it I can't be sure 🤭 let's find out together 😀 Stop by, say hi, and let's jam out 🤘 youtube.com/@kittsgame twitch.tv/kittsgame
neutral · AI labelView post →Amazing game. Gets better after about 3levels in. If you like schmup style games, then this is an amazing time burner.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO RAVI FOR SUGGESTING VALFARIS! NEXT UP IS PSEUDOREGALIA, A GAME I KNOW LITERALLY NOTHING ABOUT!
neutral · AI labelView post →[Nintendo Switch | US eShop] Valfaris (3.74 USD / 85 %). Ends in 22 hours.
neutral · AI labelView post →#23 completion for the year Valfaris A dope Gory sidescroller placed in the world of fkn space metal!! Music 10 Violence 10 Level design 10 Bosses 10 Headbangability 10 This game might be my favorite sidescroller of all time holy fuckin metal madness is it good!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
positive · AI labelView post →Did you enjoy Valfaris and expected another delicious hell crawl? This is not it. The sequel has become a side scrolling shoot 'em up. While the music is still good, it is not as great as the prequel. Gameplay is solid but not exceptional. Still worth a recommendation because the game is good, albeit simple and short. There is not much replay value. If you are on a budget, buy the prequel.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Overview From Run 'n' Gun to Shoot 'Em Up, this change of genre is a little confusing at first. The deeper you get into the campaign, it becomes clear how this change allows for a fresh gameplay experience while also retaining a good chunk of the identity from the first game. This is still the over the top, monster killing, planet annihilating quest for patricide from the previous game. A Bold New Direction The change to a low-poly 2.5D style allows for the developer, Steel Mantis, to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →it's a good game. a pretty decent time all around. if you're looking for a pure shmup, this isn't really it, this falls more under the euro genre - slower, has upgrades, etc however, could not get a damn controller to work, despite support being listed steer clear if you are photosensitive however as the game likes to throw effects out in spades
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →3 hours is a bit meager for 25 euros screen sometimes has too much going on, projectiles are not emphasized and not clearly visible through all the particle effects died often enough because of camera rotations vroll's second phase is rage-inducing bad design (or me dumb) hitboxes and melee attacks seem a bit strange sometimes enemy variety is meh, bosses ok art style is nice, music is great
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →⚖️ MATCHING EXPECTATION: * 🟢 = Available = Fun +1 * 🔴 = Not Available = Fun -1 * Match Nothing = 0 Fun 🟢 Fun Combat with variety weapons 🟢 Mastery Timing Attacks & Dodging 🟢 Loadout Management 🟢 Interesting Level Design 🟢 Fixed Linear Difficulty 🔴 Coop / Local Splitscreen 🔴 Optional Auto Fire / Aim 🔴 Optional Mouse Control Movement 🔴 Slow Motion Ability 🔴 More Grindy More Powerful fMeter FUN fUN METER DISCOUNT COMMUNITY REVIEWER…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stream Finished 😁 This was a pretty fun and charming game. The difficulty jumps between the different settings is kind of insane. Easy is genuinely too easy, but Moderate/Normal can just wreck me 🤣 Anyhooo, I'm playing Valfaris next, looks pretty hardcore 🤘
neutral · AI labelView post →At first, I kinda regretted buying this. However, the more I played, the more I really liked it. You get a lot of weapons pretty quickly, and by the time I found a pair I liked, I was hooked. The music is obviously awesome. The art is cool, though things that damage you can be a bit hard to spot at times. The story exists. Thankfully, I got this for 80% off. It is not worth $20. Not even close. But at $5, I felt it was worth it, and I would happily buy it again.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This was a solid sequel, different but good. Similar to the first Valfaris it can be frustrating and unfair at times but overall a good time. It's easier than the first game if that's worth anything.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →V: Valfaris Now here's an interesting one. Maybe not so much for the game itself, which is a tough platformer/shooter, but for the soundtrack. It is composed by former Celtic Frost guitarist Curt Victor Bryant. Celtic Frost was one of my favourite metal bands in the 80s.🤘
neutral · AI labelView post →Valfaris transformed into a classic 2.5D-Shmup... ...And got even more awesome!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →steel mantis devs are making top tier indie games that deserve more attention
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →While this was the best of the three crap games I bought from Steel Mantis, it's still awful. Glad this studio isnt making new trash.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →way better than the first one, only problem is i don't read very fast and some times the text boxes disappear before i can finish them
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Wow, such Metal Key features Very metal \m/ Most awkward movement implementation (manual direction change🤬) Skill required, unless you memorize patterns. In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only Metal Space. Hostile alien beings. Giant statues with lanterns, swords and colossal ruined structures. It's epic. It's awe. It's Valfaris sequel, all hail the mech! https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3350831483 Limping adventure Generally, I enjoyed Mecha Therion a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →a pretty run of the mill euroshmup disguised under some pretty inspired visuals
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I finally figured out what Valfaris is all about. These are games you replay every year. Using your vague memories of secrets and strategies to make your next play through much smoother than the last. Rinse, repeat. It's a slow burn, but when you figure out how to get into the flow of play you become a total destroyer, ripping through everything without a problem, easily conquering half the game in a single life. That's what this is about. Getting to the point of play where the game is easy.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is an awesome shooter that carries on the Valfaris vibe. I'm always down for more of this world.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →First one was better, this one just felt rushed.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have to leave a positive review already cuz this game is metal as hell - Is a shmup - Title is a Celtic Frost reference - You have a sword named Bathory(n) who is also your brother? - There's a shotgun. In a shmup. And it's meaty as hell. Its name, I ♥♥♥♥ you not, is Hellhammer - The soundtrack is metal and packed with meaty riffs. Stylistically I can't put my finger on it, but 90s-ish, pretty heavy doomy guitars (it is not doom metal) with some almost breakdown-like licks. Like if…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I loved Slain and the previous Valfaris game, but this is completely different, an arcade shooting game. Most importantly, the head bang becomes less dramatic, which is very disappointing.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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